In this post, we look deeper at how to determine whether the approach used to address the identified problem, challenge, or opportunity had impact. That is, how can we evidence the impact that is (or is not) being had? A critical aspect of our SoTL practice is investigating our intervention in order to determine whether it had an impact and what that impact was. This means that we need to collect appropriate evidence (i.e. data) that will speak to the impact. It might be worthwhile revisiting the understandings of evidence and impact in relation to SoTL…
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How do I reflect in and on my SoTL practice?
In the previous post, we looked at how research and SoTL were similar and simultaneously different. As part of that, the SoTL cycle was presented in a way that shows the SoTL process, even though it is not always as linear and neat as the graphic depicted (shown below for reference). Within this cycle, there is one component that is always present: reflection. Reflection is an important part of being a SoTL scholar as SoTL is focused on your practice…
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How do I know if I'm doing research or SoTL?
Building on the previous post introducing the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), this post looks into the similarities and differences between SoTL and research. To recap, SoTL focuses on how we, as academics and teachers, use research to support our learning and teaching endeavours and examine our practice with the view to furthering the domain knowledge. It sounds simple, doesn't it? Just like research! But it is different, so let's explore…
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What is the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)?
The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) is becoming a more widely known and used term in higher education. It focuses on how we, as academics and teachers, use research to support our learning and teaching endeavours and research our own practice with the view to furthering the domain knowledge. When we use research and evidence to support our practice, we are undertaking scholarly teaching, and when we share that with our colleagues, we are embarking on the scholarship of teaching and learning. To understand the difference between scholarly teaching and SoTL…
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